At last month's Visual Impact show, lurking in a far corner of Smartech's impressive stand, was a secret that can add excellent sales and profits to any wide format signage printshop - the little OKI Pro 1050 roll-to-roll CMYK+W self-adhesive labels device, with Graphtec DLC1000 finishing, slitting and matrix stripping.
OKI's Steven Richards was on hand to demonstrate how the Pro1050 can take print&cut labels to the next level
Most leading wide format printers have Print&Cut devices that can produce amazing quality labels including contour-cutting and kiss cutting. The problem is, as demand increases, customers need pre-cut labels on rolls. Read on to see how OKI is addressing the issue.
Visual Impact 2023 was the trade show that keeps on giving! Tucked away at the back of Smartech’s stand was a stand-out solution to production of high-quality labels, delivered on rolls suitable for machine application, rather than hand-application of labels and stickers printed and die-cut on wide format devices. And yes, it offers white ink too!
If the label side of your sign business is growing, it may well pay you to take that production off of the wide format machine – all except for the very largest labels – and move it to a dedicated narrow web roll-to-roll label system. This will leave wide format machines free to do what they do best – large output – and develop a more advanced label printing channel to cater for the suging boutique products boom – beverages, preserves, pet foods, FMCGs etcetera. 
'Proper' roll label kiss cut, matrix stripped and rewound from Graphtec with OKI
Roll labels are presented more in harmony with the greater label and packaging industry, there is less waste and production efficiency means lower costs and room for better profits. But hang on, I hear you say: “Don’t such machines cost $200,000 to $1 million?” The answer is, yes they can if you leap right into 60 metre-per-minute 350mm web digital machines capable of Flexographic speeds and quality. But, for around $50k (Smartech show special), you can get an OKI/Graphtec solution that will do for most sign printers branching into labels, even less for the printer alone.
While both the OKI Pro 1050 label printer and wide format print & cut machines have their respective advantages, there are several reasons why using the OKI PRO 1050 may be more beneficial for serious label printing:
- Specialization: The OKI 1050 is specifically designed for label printing, whereas wide format print and cut machines are generally intended for larger-scale applications such as banners, signs, and vehicle wraps. The OKI Pro 1050's specialization means that it is optimized for label printing, providing better print quality, accuracy, and efficiency. Together with the Graphtec DLC1000 finisher, even more so.
- Print Quality: The OKI Pro 1050 label printer utilizes LED print technology, which enables it to deliver high-quality prints with sharp texts, vibrant colors, and precise details. While wide format print and cut machines can produce good quality prints, they may not match the level of detail and clarity that the OKI 1050 offers specifically for labels. Add the CADlink front-end software and a world of creative opportunities open up.
- Speed and Efficiency: The OKI Pro 1050 label printer is designed for high-speed label production, offering fast print speeds of up to 12 inches per second. This makes it highly efficient for large-volume label printing, allowing for quick turnaround times. Wide format print and cut machines are generally slower in comparison and may not be as efficient for high-volume label production.
- Label Size and Material Flexibility: The OKI 1050 supports a wide range of label sizes and materials, accommodating diverse labeling needs. It offers flexibility in terms of width, enabling the printing of labels from 25.4mm – 126.00mm (print width). Wide format print and cut machines may have limitations in terms of label size and material compatibility, as they are primarily designed for larger formats.
- Cost-Effectiveness: The OKI Pro 1050 label printer is generally more cost-effective for label printing compared to wide format print & cut machines. It is specifically optimized for labels, meaning it may have a lower initial investment cost and lower ongoing maintenance costs. Additionally, it may require fewer consumables, such as ink or toner, resulting in reduced operational expenses.
- Ease of Use: The OKI Pro 1050 label printer is designed with a user-friendly interface and software, making it easy to set up, operate, and manage print jobs. It is typically more straightforward to use and requires minimal training or technical expertise. Wide format print and cut machines often have more complex setups and may require specialized knowledge to operate effectively.
Ultimately, the choice between an OKI Pro 1050 label printer and a wide format print & cut machine depends on the specific requirements of the printing project. If label printing is the primary focus and high-quality, fast, and efficient production is essential, the OKI Pro 1050 label printer is likely to be a better option. However, for applications that require larger formats or a broader range of materials, a wide format print and cut machine may be more suitable. for short runs at least. But, with both options, the label market world is your 'Oyster' - and sticks just as well!
https://www.oki.com/au/printing/products/label/narrow/index.html
